1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - Paul's Approach To Ministry In Thessalonica

¹ For ye yourselves, brethren, know our entrance to you, that it has not become vain; ² but, having suffered before, and having been shamefully treated, as ye know, in Philippi, we grew bold in our God to speak to you the Gospel of God in much conflict. ³ For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile; ⁴ but even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, Who proveth our hearts. ⁵ For neither, at any time, did we use a word of flattery, as ye know, nor a semblance of covetousness, God is witness; ⁶ nor seeking glory of men, neither from you, nor from others; though able to be in authority, as apostles of Christ. ⁷ But we became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherishes her own children: ⁸ so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the Gospel of God, but also our own souls, because ye became dear to us. ⁹ For ye remember, brethren, our labor and toil; working night and day, that we might not be burdensome to any of you, we preached to you the Gospel of God. ¹⁰ Ye are witnesses, and God, how piously and righteously and unblamably we behaved toward you who believe; ¹¹ as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying, ¹² that ye should walk worthily of God, Who is calling you into His own Kingdom and glory.